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Where do I start-amp or speakers ?

While in the midst of downsizing I sold all my gear: Krell monos, Thiel CS6’s, Thiel 2.4’s, EAD Powermaster 2000, Thiel MCS1, etc.
I am now left with a headphone system based on the entry level Schitt headphone amp, Freya preamp,& a very nice Vinyl NIrvana Thorens 125 turntable,
So how’s that working out for you, you ask? Not so well. I need speakers & amp!
 I went from 2900 sq ft. To 1600 sq ft; a 25x24 room to an 18 x 16 room (high 20-24 ft cathedral ceiling, though, at least.)
I’m now on the way to build a new system , one component at a time; Ceiling is 4K per unit. Every time I see a nice amp, then I see a fine pair of speakers. Back and forth. Do I start with an amp or with speakers? Input, input........
michaeljbrown
keithahughes
32 posts
 
Speakers, always speakers.  The true heart of the system in my IMO, and absolutely the least "accurate" component in any system (well, some SET's...).  Speakers are all colored to some extent, find what you like there first, then move on.
gasbose's avatar
gasbose
82 posts
 
MichaelJBrown

+1 to beginning with speakers, then choose the right amp to drive them. As Tim (above) points out, you have some homework to do -- what fun! I envy you...

Or I could save you the trouble. Send me the money and I'll choose for you :-)

Gasbose

taww's avatar
taww
128 posts
 
Agree with the suggestions to pick speakers first, or at least vet their requirements, since that is the most subjective and variable part of the chain. My preference is to spend more on electronics than speakers though. There are a lot of enjoyable speakers for reasonable money (e.g. $2k) but electronics tend to scale in quality with price more linearly in m my experience. 
taww's avatar
taww
128 posts
 
Tons of exceptions to above though. Matching ends up being the most critical factor and I’ve heard inexpensive setups that clicked and were really enjoyable for relatively little money.
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
((((I have located a Cary 200.2 which is a possible start. It would good amp to build on; I had an AES tube preamp by Cary for a few years, and I really liked it.)))))
OP
The AES is a nice affordable tube preamp designed by Dennis now retired from Cary.

When looking at the Cary 200.2 not designed by Dennis it has a lower than normal input impedance and you may experience roll off at the frequency extremes with that preamp.

I would also make sure you can return it and agree with the seller he can guarantee that there is no hum in either channel in that particular amp when you get it.
 Best JohnnyR
 
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